U.S. patent application number 12/145626 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for developer cartridge and developing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Nao Itabashi, Soichiro Mase, Takeyuki Takagi.
Application Number | 20080317512 12/145626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39865703 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080317512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mase; Soichiro ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
Developer Cartridge and Developing Device
Abstract
A developer cartridge and developing device are provided. The
developer cartridge is attachable to and detachable from a
developing housing, the developing housing supporting a developer
carrier and comprising a drive gear for transmitting a driving
force to the developer cartridge. The developer cartridge includes
a cartridge housing that is configured to accommodate developer, an
agitator that is provided in the cartridge housing and is
configured to agitate the developer by the driving force, a
transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the agitation
gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear when the
developer cartridge is installed in the developing housing, and a
supporting member that is configured to support the transmission
gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while the
transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear.
Inventors: |
Mase; Soichiro; (Handa-shi,
JP) ; Itabashi; Nao; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ;
Takagi; Takeyuki; (Nagoya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.;ATTORNEYS FOR CLIENT NO. 016689
1100 13th STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-4051
US
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
39865703 |
Appl. No.: |
12/145626 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/0822 20130101;
G03G 21/1857 20130101; G03G 2215/0802 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/263 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/08 20060101
G03G015/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 25, 2007 |
JP |
2007-166672 |
Claims
1. A developer cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from
a developing housing, the developing housing supporting a developer
carrier and comprising a drive gear for transmitting a driving
force to the developer cartridge, the developer cartridge
comprising: a cartridge housing that is configured to accommodate
developer; an agitator that is provided in the cartridge housing
and is configured to agitate the developer by the driving force; a
transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the agitation
gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear when the
developer cartridge is installed in the developing housing; and a
supporting member that is configured to support the transmission
gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while the
transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear.
2. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: the drive
gear comprises gear teeth formed on an end face thereof in a
perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of the
developer carrier; the developer cartridge is attachable to and
detachable from the developing housing along the perpendicular
direction; and the transmission gear comprises gear teeth formed on
an end face thereof in the perpendicular direction.
3. The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the
cartridge housing comprises: a first housing; and a second housing
that is movable with respect to the first housing, and wherein the
second housing comprises a holding member that is configured to
hold the transmission gear at a spaced-apart position in which the
transmission gear is spaced apart from the drive gear or release
the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in
accordance with movement of the second housing.
4. The developer cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the
holding member comprises a projection that is engageable with at
least one of the transmission gear and the supporting member.
5. The developer cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second
housing is accommodated in the first housing.
6. The developer cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the
transmission gear is provided between the first housing and the
second housing.
7. The developer cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first
housing is accommodated in the second housing.
8. The developer cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the
transmission gear is provided between the first housing and the
second housing.
9. The developer cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the
cartridge housing comprises an opening for supplying the developer
to the developer carrier, the opening being openable or closable in
accordance with the movement of the second housing, and wherein the
holding member is configured to hold the transmission gear at the
spaced-apart position or release the hold of the transmission gear
at the spaced-apart position in accordance with an opening or
closing operation of the opening.
10. A developing device comprising: a developing housing that
supports a developer carrier; a drive gear for transmitting a
driving force; and a developer cartridge comprising: a cartridge
housing that is configured to accommodate developer; an agitator
that is provided in the cartridge housing and is configured to
agitate the developer by the driving force transmitted from the
drive gear; a transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the
agitation gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear
when the developer cartridge is installed in the developing
housing; and a supporting member that is configured to support the
transmission gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while
the transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear, wherein the
developing housing comprises: a holding member that is configured
to hold the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in which
the transmission gear is spaced apart from the drive gear or
release the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position in accordance with movement of the second housing.
11. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein: the drive
gear comprises gear teeth formed on an end face thereof in a
perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of the
developer carrier; the developer cartridge is attachable to and
detachable from the developing housing along the perpendicular
direction; and the transmission gear comprises gear teeth formed on
an end face thereof in the perpendicular direction.
12. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein the
holding member comprises a cover that is configured to cover the
drive gear at the spaced-apart position and to expose the drive
gear when the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position is released.
13. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein the
cartridge housing comprises an opening for supplying the developer
to the developer carrier, the opening being openable or closable in
accordance with movement of the second housing with respect to the
first housing, and wherein the holding member is configured to hold
the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in which the
transmission gear is spaced apart from the drive gear or release
the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in
accordance with the movement of the second housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-166672 filed on Jun. 25, 2007, the entire
subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to developing devices and,
more particularly, to a developer cartridge which is attachable to
an image forming apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As a related art developing device, for example,
JP-A-10-240008 describes a process cartridge, in which a
development roller and a developer cartridge are housed in a
casing, and the developer cartridge is detachable with respect to
the casing.
[0004] The casing includes a drive shaft member for receiving a
driving force from a motor or the like. An agitation part for
agitating developer in the interior of the developer cartridge is
accommodated in the developer cartridge, and an engaging recess is
provided in an end portion of a rotating shaft of the agitation
part. When the developer cartridge is attached to the casing, the
drive shaft member is fitted in and coupled with the engaging
recess, and the driving force is transmitted from the drive shaft
member to the agitation part.
[0005] The above described related art developer cartridge has some
disadvantages. For example, if gear teeth are formed on each of the
drive shaft member and the engaging recess, and as their gear teeth
mesh, the drive shaft member is coupled with the engaging
recess.
[0006] In that case, when the developer cartridge is installed to
the casing, there is a possibility that tips of the gear teeth of
the drive shaft member and tips of the gear teeth of the engaging
recess collide against each other in the course of the
installation. In that case, since the gear teeth of the drive shaft
member and the gear teeth of the engaging recess become unable to
mesh, it becomes difficult to smoothly install the developer
cartridge to the casing. Thus, the tips of the respective gear
teeth of the drive shaft member and the engaging recess can be
damaged.
SUMMARY
[0007] Aspects of the invention provide a developer cartridge which
can be smoothly installed to the developing housing by allowing the
gear provided in the developer cartridge and the gear provided in
the developing housing to be smoothly meshed, as well as a
developing device in which this developer cartridge is detachably
installed.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a developer cartridge that is attachable to and detachable
from a developing housing, the developing housing supporting a
developer carrier and comprising a drive gear for transmitting a
driving force to the developer cartridge, the developer cartridge
comprising: a cartridge housing that is configured to accommodate
developer; an agitator that is provided in the cartridge housing
and is configured to agitate the developer by the driving force; a
transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the agitation
gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear when the
developer cartridge is installed in the developing housing; and a
supporting member that is configured to support the transmission
gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while the
transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear.
[0009] Alternatively, the developer cartridge may be configured
such that the drive gear comprises gear teeth formed on an end face
thereof in a perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of
the developer carrier, the developer cartridge is attachable to and
detachable from the developing housing along the perpendicular
direction, and the transmission gear comprises gear teeth formed on
an end face thereof in the perpendicular direction.
[0010] According to the aspect of the present invention, when the
developer cartridge is installed in the developing housing, and the
drive gear of the developing housing and the transmission gear of
the developer cartridge are meshed with each other, the driving
force is transmitted from the drive gear to the agitator through
the transmission gear and the agitation gear. Hence, it is possible
to rotate the agitator to agitate the developer.
[0011] Here, the developer cartridge is installed in or removed
from the developing housing along a perpendicular direction which
is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developer
carrier. In the transmission gear, gear teeth are formed on its end
face in the perpendicular direction, and in the drive gear as well,
gear teeth are formed on its end face in the perpendicular
direction. In this case, at the time of installing the developer
cartridge to the developing housing, there is a possibility that
tooth tips of the transmission gear and tooth tips of the drive
gear collide against each other.
[0012] However, the transmission gear in the state of being meshed
with the agitation gear is supported by the supporting member
movably with respect to the agitation gear. For this reason, even
when the tooth tips of the transmission gear and the tooth tips of
the drive gear collide against each other at the time of installing
the developer cartridge to the developing housing, the transmission
gear is not forcibly pressed against the drive gear side. Namely,
since the transmission gear can be held on standby in the state in
which the tooth tips of the transmission gear and the tooth tips of
the drive gear are in slight contact with each other, it is
possible to prevent the gear teeth of both the transmission gear
and the drive gear from becoming damaged. Further, this
transmission gear can be meshed anew with the drive gear.
[0013] Consequently, the transmission gear of the developer
cartridge and the drive gear of the developing housing can be
smoothly meshed without being damaged, so that the developer
cartridge can be smoothly installed to the developing housing.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a developing device comprising: a developing housing
that supports a developer carrier; a drive gear for transmitting a
driving force; and a developer cartridge comprising: a cartridge
housing that is configured to accommodate developer; an agitator
that is provided in the cartridge housing and is configured to
agitate the developer by the driving force transmitted from the
drive gear; a transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the
agitation gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear
when the developer cartridge is installed in the developing
housing; and a supporting member that is configured to support the
transmission gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while
the transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear, wherein the
developing housing comprises: a holding member that is configured
to hold the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in which
the transmission gear is spaced apart from the drive gear or
release the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position in accordance with movement of the second housing.
[0015] Alternatively, the developing device may be configured such
that the drive gear comprises gear teeth formed on an end face
thereof in a perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of
the developer carrier; the developer cartridge is attachable to and
detachable from the developing housing along the perpendicular
direction; and the transmission gear comprises gear teeth formed on
an end face thereof in the perpendicular direction.
[0016] According to the another aspect of the invention, in
interlocked relation to the movement of the second housing, the
holding member provided on the developing housing holds the
transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in which it is
spaced apart from the drive gear or releases the hold of the
transmission gear at the spaced-apart position.
[0017] For this reason, at the time of installing the developer
cartridge to the developing housing, if the transmission gear is
kept held at the spaced-apart position by the holding member, it is
possible to prevent the collision between tooth tips of the
transmission gear and tooth tips of the drive gear. Then, if, upon
completion of the installation of the developer cartridge to the
developing housing, the second housing is moved to release the hold
of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position by the
holding member, the transmission gear can be automatically meshed
with the drive gear. Meanwhile, if the transmission gear is held
again at the spaced-apart position by the holding member by moving
the second housing, the meshing state between the transmission gear
and the drive gear is automatically canceled, so that the developer
cartridge can be smoothly disengaged from the developing housing.
As a result, it is possible to achieve improvement of
convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exemplary side sectional view of an image
forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, of
the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, wherein the process
cartridge is in a state in which a developer cartridge is attached
to a process frame and a swing arm is at a pressing position;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge of
FIG. 2, wherein the process cartridge is in a state in which the
developer cartridge is detached from the process frame and the
swing arm is at a pressing releasing position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view, as viewed from a
front right side, of the process cartridge of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view of the process
cartridge of FIG. 2 as viewed from the front right side, in a state
in which the developer cartridge is detached from the process
frame;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of
FIG. 2 as viewed from a back left side, in a state in which the
developer cartridge is attached to the process frame;
[0024] FIGS. 7A to 7C are enlarged left side views of the process
cartridge of FIG. 2, in a state in which the developer cartridge is
attached to the process frame, in which FIG. 7A shows a state in
which a transmission gear is at a spaced-apart position, FIG. 7B
shows a state in which tooth tips of the transmission gear and
tooth tips of a drive gear are in contact with each other, and FIG.
7C shows a state in which the transmission gear is in a meshing
position;
[0025] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a developer cartridge
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
viewed from a back left side, FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an
inside housing of the developer cartridge of FIG. 8A, FIG. 8C is a
first schematic perspective view of the inside housing shown in
FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8D is a second schematic perspective view of the
inside housing shown in FIG. 8B;
[0026] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a developer cartridge
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
viewed from a back left side, in a state in which the outside
housing is at an open position, FIG. 9B is a perspective view of
the developer cartridge of FIG. 9A, in a state in which an outside
housing of the developer cartridge is at a closed position, FIG. 9C
is a perspective view, as viewed from a back left side, of an
inside housing of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 9A, and
FIG. 9D is a schematic perspective view, as viewed from the back
left side, of the inside housing shown in FIG. 9C; and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, as viewed from a back left
side of an outside housing of the developer cartridge shown in FIG.
9A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described now
with reference to the drawings.
(Image Forming Apparatus)
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a
feeder unit 4 for feeding sheets 3 to an interior of a body casing
2, an image forming unit 5 for forming an image on the fed sheet 3,
and a sheet discharge part 6 for discharging the sheet 3 with the
image formed thereon.
[0030] (1) Body Casing
[0031] The body casing 2 is formed in a box shape, an open port is
formed in one side wall of the body casing 2, and a front cover 7
for opening and closing the open port is provided. By opening the
front cover 7, a process cartridge 17 (which will be described
later) as an example of a developing device can be attached to or
detached from the body casing 2 along the directions of thick-line
arrows in the drawing.
[0032] The body casing 2 is provided with a developer sensor (not
shown) for detecting the amount of developer accommodated in the
developer cartridge 31. The developer sensor (not shown) includes a
light emitting portion (not shown) for emitting detection light and
a light receiving portion (not shown) for receiving this detection
light. The light emitting portion (not shown) and the light
receiving portion (not shown) are disposed in such a manner as to
sandwich the process cartridge 17 and the developer cartridge 31 in
the widthwise direction. For example, the light emitting portion
(not shown) may be disposed on the left side of the process
cartridge 17, while the light receiving portion (not shown) may be
disposed on the right side of the process cartridge 17. In this
case, the detection light transmits from the left side to the right
side. Alternatively, the light emitting portion and the light
receiving portion may be positioned on opposite sides of the
process cartridge 17, respectively.
[0033] (2) Feeder Unit
[0034] The feeder unit 4 includes a sheet feed tray 9, a feed
roller 10, a feed pad 11, paper dust removing rollers 12 and 13, a
register roller 14, and a sheet pressing plate 15. Uppermost ones
of the sheets 3 on the sheet pressing plate 15 are fed one by one
by the feed roller 10 and the feed pad 11, and the fed sheet 3,
after passing through the various rollers 12 to 14, is transported
to a transfer position (which will be described later) of the image
forming unit 5.
[0035] (3) Image Forming Unit
[0036] The image forming unit 5 includes a scanner unit 16, the
process cartridge 17, and a fixing part 18.
[0037] (3-1) Scanner Unit
[0038] The scanner unit 16 is provided at an upper portion inside
the body casing 2, and includes a laser light emitting part (not
shown), a polygon mirror 19 which is rotatively driven, a plurality
of lenses 20, and a plurality of reflecting mirrors 21. A laser
beam emitted from the laser light emitting part on the basis of
image data is reflected by the polygon mirror 19, is transmitted
through or reflected by the plurality of lenses 20 and the
plurality of reflecting mirrors 21, and is made to scan the surface
of a photoconductive drum 25 (which will be described later) of the
process cartridge 17.
[0039] (3-2) Process Cartridge
[0040] The process cartridge 17 is disposed below the scanner unit
16 inside the body casing 2, and is installed detachably with
respect to the body casing 2.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 17 includes a
process frame 22 as an example of a developing housing having a
transfer path 29 formed in the developing housing to allow the
passage of the sheet 3, as well as the developer cartridge 31 which
is detachably installed in a cartridge housing part 33 (which will
be described later) of the process frame 22.
[0042] A vertically extending partition wall 57 is provided in the
process frame 22 at a substantially central position of a
front-back direction of the process frame 22. In the process frame
22, a rear side portion of the partition wall 57 is formed as a
developing part 32, while a front side portion of the partition
wall 57 is formed as the aforementioned cartridge housing part 33.
The frame-side passage port 34 is formed in the partition wall
57.
[0043] The following are provided in the developing part 32: the
photoconductive drum 25; a scorotron-type charger 26; a transfer
roller 28; a supply roller 36; a development roller 37 as an
example of a developer carrier, and a layer thickness restricting
blade 38.
[0044] The photoconductive drum 25 is elongated in the widthwise
direction and is rotatably supported by the process frame 22. The
scorotron-type charger 26 is supported by the process frame 22
above the photoconductive drum 25 at an interval with the
photoconductive drum 25. The transfer roller 28 is elongated in the
widthwise direction, is disposed on and is opposed to a lower side
of the photoconductive drum 25, and is rotatably supported by the
process frame 22. The development roller 37 is elongated in the
widthwise direction, is disposed on and is opposed to a lower side
of the photoconductive drum 25, and is rotatably supported by the
process frame 22. The development roller 37 is elongated in the
widthwise direction and is disposed on and is opposed to a front
side of the photoconductive drum 25. The supply roller 36 is
elongated in the widthwise direction and is disposed on and is
opposed to a front side of the development roller 37. The
development roller 37 and the supply roller 36 are rotatably
supported by the process frame 22. The layer thickness restricting
blade 38 has a leaf spring member 45 formed in a thin plate shape
and pressure contact rubber 46 provided on a lower end portion of
the leaf spring member 45. An upper end portion of the leaf spring
member 45 is fixed to the process frame 22, and the pressure
contact rubber 46 presses the surface of the development roller 37
by the resiliency of the leaf spring member 45.
[0045] The developer cartridge 31 is mounted in the cartridge
housing part 33 detachably with respect to the process frame 22.
The developer cartridge 31 has a substantially hollow cylindrical
shape. The cartridge-side passage port 47 for allowing the inner
side and the outer side to communicate with each other is formed in
the developer cartridge 31.
[0046] An agitator 93 as an example of an agitating member is
rotatably provided in the developer cartridge 31. In addition,
positively charged, non-magnetic one component toner is
accommodated in the developer cartridge 31 as an example of
developer.
[0047] The developer in the developer cartridge 31 is agitated by
the rotation of the agitator 93, is received into the frame-side
passage port 34 from the cartridge-side passage port 47, and is
released into the developing part 32. The released developer is
supplied onto the supply roller 36.
[0048] The developer supplied onto the supply roller 36 is supplied
onto the development roller 37 as the supply roller 36 is rotated.
The developer is frictionally charged to a positive polarity
between the supply roller 36 and the development roller 37.
Subsequently, in conjunction with the rotation of the development
roller 37, the developer supplied onto the development roller 37
enters a nip between the pressure contact rubber 46 and the
development roller 37, and while the layer thickness is being
restricted therebetween, the developer is carried on the surface of
the development roller 37 as a thin layer.
[0049] Then, in conjunction with the rotation of the
photoconductive drum 25, the surface of the photoconductive drum 25
is first positively charged uniformly by the scorotron-type charger
26, and is subsequently exposed by a laser beam from the scanner
unit 16, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on
image data. As the development roller 37 is rotated, the developer
being carried on the development roller 37 is supplied onto the
electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the
photoconductive drum 25 when the developer is opposed to and is
brought into contact with the photoconductive drum 25. The
electrostatic latent image is thereby developed (formed into a
visible image), and a developer image is carried on the surface of
the photoconductive drum 25. This developer image is transferred
onto the sheet 3 transported between the photoconductive drum 25
and the transfer roller 28 (to the transfer position) in the
transfer path 29.
[0050] (3-3) Fixing Part
[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing part 18 is provided on the
rear side of the process cartridge 17. The fixing part 18 includes
a heating roller 48, a pressure roller 49 which is brought into
pressure contact with the heating roller 48 from the lower side,
and a pair of transport rollers 50 disposed on the rear side of
these rollers.
[0052] In the fixing part 18, the developer transferred onto the
sheet 3 at the transfer position is thermally fixed while the sheet
3 passes between the heating roller 48 and the pressure roller 49.
Subsequently, the sheet 3 is transported to the sheet discharge
part 6 by the pair of transport rollers 50.
[0053] (4) Sheet Discharge Part
[0054] The sheet discharge part 6 includes a sheet discharge path
51, a sheet discharge roller 52, and a sheet discharge tray 53. The
sheet 3 transported from the fixing part 18 to the sheet discharge
path 51 is transported from the sheet discharge path 51 to the
sheet discharge roller 52 and is discharged onto the sheet
discharge tray 53 by the sheet discharge roller 52.
(Process Cartridge)
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7C, a process cartridge according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The process cartridge will now be described with reference to FIGS.
3 to 7C.
[0056] (1) Process Frame
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the process frame 22 integrally has the
developing part 32 and the cartridge housing part 33 described
above.
[0058] (1-1) Developing Part
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing part 32 integrally
has an upper wall 54, a bottom wall 55, two side walls 56, and the
aforementioned partition wall 57. The two side walls 56 are opposed
to each other at an interval therebetween in the widthwise
direction. The respective side walls 56 are arranged along the
front-back direction.
[0060] The development roller 37 is supported by the process frame
22 by being rotatively supported by front side portions of the both
side walls 56 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 6, a development gear
58 is mounted on a left end portion of the development roller 37
relatively unrotatably with respect to the development roller 37.
Specifically, the development gear 58 is disposed on the right side
(i.e., that inner side in the widthwise direction) of the left side
wall 56. The development gear 58 is a gear whose circle center is a
rotating shaft (i.e., a shaft extending in the widthwise direction)
of the development roller 37, and the gear teeth of the development
gear 58 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the
development gear 58 (i.e., an end face in a direction perpendicular
to the widthwise direction).
[0061] The supply roller 36 is supported by the process frame 22 on
the front side of the development roller 37 by being rotatably
supported by front portions of the both side walls 56 (see FIG. 3).
A supply gear 59 is mounted on a left end portion of the supply
roller 36 relatively unrotatably with respect to the supply roller
36. Specifically, the supply gear 59 is disposed on the right side
(i.e., an inner side in the widthwise direction) of the left side
wall 56. The supply gear 59 is a gear whose circle center is a
rotating shaft (i.e., a shaft extending in the widthwise direction)
of the supply roller 36, and the gear teeth of the supply gear 59
are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the supply gear 59
(i.e., an end face in the direction perpendicular to the widthwise
direction).
[0062] A drive gear 62 is provided on the front side of the supply
gear 59. The drive gear 62 is a gear whose circle center is a
rotating shaft (i.e., a shaft extending in the widthwise direction)
of the supply roller 36, and the gear teeth of the drive gear 62
are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the drive gear 62
(i.e., an end face in the direction perpendicular to the widthwise
direction). The drive gear 62 is rotatably supported about the
circle center by a right side surface of the left side wall 56
(including a portion of a left side plate 63 which will be
described later) in a state in which front-side gear teeth are
exposed in the cartridge housing part 33. The drive gear 62 meshes
with the supply gear 59 from the front side.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, a supporting hole 60 extending through
the left side wall 56 is formed in the left side wall 56 at a
position located on the front side of the development gear 58 and
on the upper side of the supply gear 59. The supporting hole 60 has
a circular shape in a side view. A coupling gear 61 is fitted in
the supporting hole 60.
[0064] The coupling gear 61 is a gear whose circle center is a
rotating shaft extending along the widthwise direction, and is
rotatably supported about the circle center by the left side wall
56. Gear teeth, which respectively mesh with the development gear
58 and the supply gear 59, are formed on a right end of an outer
peripheral surface (i.e., an end face in the direction
perpendicular to the widthwise direction) of the coupling gear 61.
A recessed portion 112, which is recessed toward the right side and
is formed substantially in the shape of a FIG. 8 in a side view, is
formed on a left end face of the coupling gear 61. This recessed
portion 112 is exposed to the left side through the supporting hole
60.
[0065] An output shaft (not shown) of a motor provided in the body
casing 2 is fitted in and coupled to the recessed portion 112 of
the coupling gear 61 shown in FIG. 7A. When the output shaft (not
shown) is rotated as the motor (not shown) is driven, the coupling
gear 61 connected to the output shaft (not shown) rotates clockwise
(see arrow A shown in the drawing) in a left side view. The driving
force generated by the motor (not shown) is thus transferred to the
coupling gear 61. Further, the development gear 58 and the supply
gear 59, which both mesh with the coupling gear 61, rotate
counterclockwise (see arrows B shown in the drawing) in the left
side view, while the drive gear 62 meshing with the supply gear 59
rotates clockwise (see arrow C shown in the drawing) in the left
side view. Namely, the driving force of the motor (not shown) is
transmitted to the development gear 58 and the supply gear 59
through the coupling gear 61, and is further transmitted from the
supply gear 59 to the drive gear 62. As the driving force is
transmitted to the development gear 58 and the supply gear 59,
respectively, the development roller 37 and the supply roller 36
rotate. Additionally, the drive gear 62 is capable of outputting
the driving force transmitted thereto.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, a curved portion conforming to the outer
peripheral surface of the developer cartridge 31 is formed in the
partition wall 57 midway in a vertical direction of the partition
wall 57.
[0067] The aforementioned frame-side passage port 34 is formed in a
substantially central portion in the widthwise direction of the
curved portion of the partition wall 57. The frame-side passage
port 34 has a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the
widthwise direction.
[0068] (1-2) Cartridge Housing Part
[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge housing part 33 has the
two side plates 63 and a bottom plate 64. The two side plates 63
and the bottom plate 64 are continuous to the two side walls 56 and
the bottom wall 55 of the developing part 32, and are formed
integrally therewith.
[0070] A shutter guide 78 and an upper fixing part 66 are provided
on a widthwise inner surface of each side plate 63.
[0071] The shutter guide portion 78 has a protruding shape in which
the shutter guide portion 78 bulges inwardly from the widthwise
inner surface of the side plate 63 in a rear end portion of the
side plate 63, and is disposed oppositely to the curved portion of
the partition wall 57 with a slight interval therewith in the
front-back direction. The shutter guide portion 78 is formed in a
curved shape with a substantially identical curvature to that of
the curved portion of the partition wall 57. The aforementioned
drive gear 62 is disposed below the left shutter guide portion
78.
[0072] The upper fixing part 66 has a protruding shape in which the
upper fixing part 66 bulges inwardly from the widthwise inner
surface of the side plate 63 in a rear-side upper end portion of
the side plate 63. Specifically, the upper fixing part 63 in a side
view has a substantially U-shape in which the upper fixing part 63
is recessed diagonally backward and downward.
[0073] A lower fixing part 67 which slightly projects forward is
formed in the bottom plate 64 at a substantially central portion of
a front end of the bottom plate 64 (see FIG. 3).
[0074] In addition, a shutter 68 for opening and closing the
frame-side passage port 34 is provided in the cartridge housing
part 33.
[0075] The shutter 68 has a substantially rectangular thin plate
shape extending in the widthwise direction, and is formed in a
curved shape with a substantially identical curvature to that of
the curved portion of the partition wall 57. The shutter 68 is
formed in such a manner as to extend between the shutter guide
portions 78 in the widthwise direction and extend slightly longer
than each shutter guide portion 78 in the vertical direction. A
shutter opening 69 which is capable of opposing the frame-side
passage port 34 is formed in the shutter 68. In addition, a
protective cover 76 as an example of a holding member is integrally
provided on a lower end portion of a left end portion of the
shutter 68. The protective cover 76 has a thin plate shape in which
the protective cover 76 extends forward and then bends
leftward.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the shutter 68 is disposed oppositely to
the curved portion of the partition wall 57, and the widthwise two
end portions of the shutter 68 are slidably sandwiched between the
partition wall 57 and the respective shutter guide portion 78.
[0077] As a result, the shutter 68 is supported vertically
swingably between an open position (see FIGS. 2, 7B, and 7C) for
opening the frame-side passage port 34 and a closed position (see
FIGS. 3, 5, and 7A) for closing the frame-side passage port 34.
[0078] When the shutter 68 is at the open position, the frame-side
passage port 34 opposes the shutter opening 69 and is open to the
outside (front side), as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, as shown in
FIGS. 7B and 7C, since the protective cover 76 is disposed in such
a manner as to be spaced apart slightly diagonally forward and
downward from the drive gear 62, the drive gear 62 is exposed to
the front side.
[0079] When the shutter 68 is at the closed position, the
frame-side passage port 34 is closed from the front side by that
portion of the shutter 68 located below the shutter opening 69, as
shown in FIG. 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A, since the
protective cover 76 is disposed in proximity to the front side of
the drive gear 62, the drive gear 62 is covered from the front side
by the protective cover 76.
[0080] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a swing arm 70 is provided
in the cartridge housing part 33. The swing arm 70 has a
substantially U-shape in a plan view. The swing arm 70 integrally
has a grip lever 71 extending axially and a pair of arm side plates
72 respectively extending from widthwise both end portions of the
grip lever 71 toward the back side.
[0081] A boss 73 projecting widthwise outward is provided at a rear
end portion of each arm side plate 72. Each boss 73 is rotatably
supported in a round hole 74 formed in the corresponding side plate
63.
[0082] In addition, a receiving recess 75 which is notched so as to
be recessed downward is formed at an upper end of a rear end
portion of the respective arm side plate 72.
[0083] By using the boss 73 of each arm side plate 72 as a fulcrum,
the swing arm 70 swings between the pressing releasing position
(see FIGS. 3 and 5) in which a lower end of the respective arm side
plate 72 comes into contact with a front end of the bottom plate 64
and a pressing position (see FIGS. 2 and 4) for pressing the
developer cartridge 31 from the front side when the developer
cartridge 31 is accommodated in the cartridge housing part 33.
[0084] (2) Developer Cartridge
[0085] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a developer cartridge
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
viewed from a back left side. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an
inside housing of the developer cartridge of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a
first schematic perspective view of the inside housing shown in
FIG. 8B. FIG. 8D is a second schematic perspective view of the
inside housing shown in FIG. 8B.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the developer cartridge 31
includes an inside housing 81 for accommodating developer and an
outside housing 82 for accommodating the inside housing 81. The
inside housing 81 functions as an example of a second housing. The
outside housing 82 functions as an example of a first housing. The
inside housing 81 and the outside housing 82 also function as
examples of cartridge housings.
[0087] (2-1) Inside Housing
[0088] As shown in FIG. 8B, the inside housing 81 integrally
includes an inner peripheral wall 83 extending in the widthwise
direction and having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, as
well as a pair of disk-shaped inner side walls 84 for closing
widthwise the end portions of the inner peripheral wall 83.
[0089] A sliding projection 86 is provided on the upper side of
each inner side wall 84. The sliding projection 86 has a circular
arc shape (i.e., a circular arc shape with a central angle of about
60.degree.) in a side view, which conforms to an outer peripheral
surface of the inner side wall 84, and is provided in such a manner
as to project from the inner side wall 84 outward in the widthwise
direction.
[0090] Each inner side wall 84 has a pair of clamping projections
87 provided in a rear side portion of the inner side wall 84 in
such a manner as to project radially from a peripheral end face of
the inner side wall 84. The pair of clamping projections 87 are
disposed on the peripheral end face of the inner side wall 84 in
such a manner as to be circumferentially spaced apart with an
interval (an interval corresponding to the circumferential length
of the shutter 68) therebetween.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 8C, a through hole 77 having a circular
shape in a side view and extending through the left inner side wall
84 is formed in a circle center portion of that inner side wall 84.
Further, an annular supporting rib 79 projecting leftward (outward
in the widthwise direction) along a peripheral edge of the through
hole 77 is integrally provided on the inner side wall 84.
Furthermore, a leftwardly projecting cylindrical projection
(referred to as a holding projection 100) is integrally provided on
the left inner side wall 84 on a side of the supporting rib 79
which is opposite from the side where the sliding projection 86 is
provided. The holding projection 100 functions as an example of a
holding member.
[0092] In the inner peripheral wall 83, an inside passage port 89
is formed in a surrounded portion 88 surrounded by two pairs of
clamping projections 87 (i.e., four clamping projections 87)
arranged on the widthwise two sides, respectively. The inside
passage port 89 forms a portion of the cartridge-side passage port
47 functioning as an example of an opening.
[0093] The inner passage port 89 is formed in a substantially upper
portion of the surrounded portion 88. During image formation, the
inner passage port 89 is opposed to the frame-side passage port 34,
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0094] The agitator 93 is provided in the inside housing 81. The
agitator 93 has an axially extending agitator shaft 94, as well as
an agitating blade 95 extending radially outward from that agitator
shaft 94. The agitator shaft 94 functions as an example of a
rotating shaft.
[0095] The agitator shaft 94 is a round bar having a smaller
diameter than the through hole 77, an outer peripheral surface of a
left end portion of the agitator shaft 94 is locally notched, as
shown in FIG. 8C, and a cross section of the left end portion is
substantially semicircular. In the state in which the agitator 93
is accommodated in the inside housing 81, the left end portion of
the agitator shaft 94 is exposed from the through hole 77 to the
left side of the left inner side wall 84. An agitator gear 80 as an
example of an agitation gear is mounted on a left end portion of
the agitator shaft 94.
[0096] The agitator gear 80 is a gear whose circle center is the
agitator shaft 94, and gear teeth are formed on its outer
peripheral surface (i.e., an end face in a perpendicular direction
which is perpendicular to the widthwise direction). A through hole
having a substantially identical shape to that of the
cross-sectional shape (i.e., a substantially semicircular shape) of
the left end portion of the agitator shaft 94 is formed in a circle
center portion of the agitator gear 80. As the left end portion of
the agitator shaft 94 is fitted in the through hole, the agitator
gear 80 is incapable of relatively rotating with respect to the
agitator shaft 94 (see FIGS. 8B and 8D). In addition, although not
shown, a circular tube portion, which has a diameter smaller than
the through hole 77 and larger than the agitator shaft 94 and
projects in a direction of approaching the left inner side wall 84
(i.e., rightward), is formed on the face (i.e., right face in FIG.
8C) of the agitator gear 80 which opposes the left inner side wall
84. The interior of this circular tube portion communicates with
the through hole of the agitator gear 80. When the agitator gear 80
is mounted on the agitator shaft 94, the circular tube portion is
inserted through the through hole 77. Specifically, the circular
tube portion is loosely fitted in the through hole 77 so as to be
disposed between the supporting rib 79 and the agitator shaft 94,
and the agitator gear 80 and the left end portion of the agitator
shaft 94 are supported relatively unrotatably with respect to the
supporting rib 79. In addition, the right end portion of the
agitator shaft 94 is rotatably supported by the right inner side
wall 84. Thus, the agitator shaft 94 is rotatably supported by the
inner side walls 84.
[0097] A link lever 96 as an example of a supporting member is
inserted between the left inner side wall 84 and the agitator gear
80 in the widthwise direction (see FIGS. 8B and 8D). The link lever
96 has a thin plate shape integrally having a fitting portion 97
and a supporting portion 98. The fitting portion 97 in a side view
has a substantially annular shape in which a through hole having a
slightly larger diameter than the supporting rib 79 is formed. The
supporting portion 98 has a substantially rectangular shape
extending radially outward from one peripheral portion of the
fitting portion 97. A cylindrical supporting shaft 99 projecting
leftward along the widthwise direction is integrally provided on
the supporting portion 98. As the through hole of the fitting
portion 97 of the link lever 96 is fitted over the supporting rib
79, the link lever 96 is supported rotatably about the supporting
rib 79 (see FIG. 8D). In addition, in a state in which the inner
passage port 89 is oriented toward the back side, the supporting
portion 98 is engaged with the holding projection 100 from the
upper side. In this state, the posture of the link lever 96 is held
by the holding projection 100 such that the supporting portion 98
is oriented toward the back side (see FIG. 8D).
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, a transmission gear 91 is
rotatably attached to the supporting shaft 99 of the link lever 96.
The transmission gear 91 is a gear whose circle center is the
supporting shaft 99, and gear teeth are formed on its outer
peripheral surface (i.e., an end face in the perpendicular
direction which is perpendicular to the widthwise direction). In
the transmission gear 91, a round hole (referred to as a gear
through hole 121) extending through the transmission gear 91 in the
widthwise direction is formed in a circle center (rotational
center) of the transmission gear 91. The gear through hole 121 has
a slightly larger diameter than the supporting shaft 99. As the
supporting shaft 99 is inserted through the gear through hole 121,
the transmission gear 91 is rotatably supported by the supporting
shaft 99. In a state in which the transmission gear 91 is supported
by the supporting shaft 99, the transmission gear 91 meshes with
the agitator gear 80 from the back side (see FIG. 8B). In addition,
in the state in which the transmission gear 91 is meshed with the
agitator gear 80, the transmission gear 91 together with the link
lever 96 is rotatable about the supporting rib 79. In other words,
the transmission gear 91 in the state in which it is meshed with
the agitator gear 80 is supported by the link lever 96 movably with
respect to the agitator gear 80. In addition, the transmission gear
91 relatively moves with respect to the inside housing 81 when the
transmission gear 91 rotates about the supporting rib 79.
[0099] A substantially annular rib (referred to as an annular rib
92) is integrally provided on a left side surface of the left inner
side wall 84 in such a manner as to extend substantially along an
outer peripheral edge of the left inner side wall 84 and project
leftward through a radially outer position of the sliding
projection 86. A back side portion of the annular rib 92 which is a
portion close to the transmission gear 91 is notched (this notched
portion will be referred to as an inner notch 103; see FIG. 8A),
and gear teeth of the transmission gear 91 are exposed from the
inner notch 103 toward the back side (see FIG. 8B). The
transmission gear 91 and the link lever 96 are rotatable about the
supporting rib 79 in a range in which the transmission gear 91 is
exposed from the inner notch 103.
[0100] (2-2) Outside Housing
[0101] As shown in FIG. 8A, the outside housing 82 is formed with a
slightly larger size in the widthwise direction and in the radial
direction than the inside housing 81. The outside housing 82
integrally includes an outer peripheral wall 101 having a
substantially hollow cylindrical shape and extending in the
widthwise direction and a pair of outer side walls 102 having a
substantially disk shape for closing widthwise both end portions of
the outer peripheral wall 101.
[0102] It should be noted that, as for the outer peripheral wall
101, outer peripheral surfaces on an upper side of the outer
peripheral wall 101 and an upper portion of a front side of the
outer peripheral wall 101 are formed in a flat shape, but an inner
peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 101 is formed in a
circular shape in cross section (see FIG. 2).
[0103] A sliding hole 104, through which the sliding projection 86
can be inserted, is formed in the outer side wall 102 in the
vicinity of an upper peripheral edge of the outer sidewall 102. The
sliding hole 104 is disposed in such a manner as to oppose the
sliding projection 86 in the widthwise direction. The sliding hole
104 in a side view has a circular arc shape which is longer than
the sliding projection 86.
[0104] An upper to-be-fixed portion 105 projecting slightly toward
the back side is formed on a peripheral end face of the outer side
wall 102 above the rear end portion of the sliding hole 104. A
positioning boss 106 projecting outward in the widthwise direction
is provided on a rear end portion of the upper to-be-fixed portion
105.
[0105] A plurality of, e.g., four, elongated holes 108, through
which two pairs of clamping projections 87 (i.e., four clamping
projections 84) are respectively inserted, are formed in the outer
peripheral wall 101 at the widthwise end portions, respectively, of
the outer peripheral wall 101. Each elongated hole 108 is arranged
so as to oppose the respective clamping projection 87 in the radial
direction. The elongated hole 108 has a substantially rectangular
shape extending in the vertical direction in a rear view, and is
formed with a length corresponding to the swinging range between
the open position and the closed position of the shutter 68.
[0106] An outer passage port 109, which comprises a portion of the
cartridge-side passage port 47, is formed in the outer peripheral
wall 101 between the two pairs of elongated holes 108 (i.e.,
between the vertical pair of elongated holes 108 on the left side
and the vertical pair of elongated holes 108 on the right side).
During image formation, the outer passage port 109 opposes both the
inner passage port 89 and the frame-side passage port 34 (see FIG.
2).
[0107] In a connecting portion between the outer peripheral wall
101 and the left outer side wall 102, a portion of the left outer
side wall 102 in the vicinity of the lower left elongated hole 108
is noted (this portion will be referred to as an outer notch 107)
so as to continue to this elongated hole 108. The outer notch 107
functions as an example of an exposing portion.
[0108] A grip portion 113 is provided on the front side of the
outer peripheral wall 101 in a substantially central portion
thereof.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 2, the grip portion 113 has a substantially
rectangular upper grip plate 114 projecting from the upper side of
the outer peripheral wall 101 toward the front side and a retaining
arm 115 having a substantially J-shape in a side view and extending
downward below the upper grip plate 114. An upper end portion of
the retaining arm 115 is swingably supported by a supporting shaft
116 provided below the upper grip plate 114. A retaining pawl 117
for retaining the lower fixing part 67 is provided at a lower end
portion of the retaining arm 115. A substantially rectangular lower
grip plate 118 projecting toward the front side is integrally
provided in the vicinity of an upper end portion of the retaining
arm 115. The lower grip plate 118 is disposed in such a manner as
to extend substantially parallel in spaced-apart relation to the
upper grip plate 114.
[0110] A compression spring (not shown) is interposed between the
upper grip plate 114 and the lower grip plate 118 to urge the upper
grip plate 114 and the lower grip plate 118 to move away from each
other.
[0111] (2-3) Relative Arrangement of Inside Housing and Outside
Housing and Relative Movement of Inside Housing
[0112] The inside housing 81 is rotatably accommodated in the
outside housing 82.
[0113] Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the inner
peripheral wall 83 is fitted in such a manner as to be slidable in
the circumferential direction with respect to the inner peripheral
surface of the outer peripheral wall 101. Accordingly, the circle
center Y of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral
wall 101 and the axial center of the agitator shaft 94 are
coincident with each other in a side view.
[0114] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8A, the transmission gear 91
and the agitator gear 80 are disposed between the left inner side
wall 84 and the left outer side wall 102, i.e., between the inside
housing 81 and the outside housing 82.
[0115] A corresponding one of the sliding projections 86 is
inserted through the sliding hole 104, and the sliding projection
86 projects from the sliding hole 104 outward in the widthwise
direction. A corresponding one of the clamping projections 87 is
inserted through the elongated hole 108, and the clamping
projection 87 projects from the elongated hole 108 outward in the
radial direction.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 2, the inside housing 81 is allowed to
undergo relative rotation with respect to the outside housing 82 by
using as a fulcrum the circle center of the inner peripheral
surface of the outer peripheral wall 101 between the closed
position (see FIG. 7A) in which the inner passage port 89 does not
oppose the outer passage port 109 and the open position (see FIGS.
2, 7B, 7C, and 8A) in which the inner passage port 89 opposes the
outer passage port 109. The inner passage port 89 is opened and
closed by the rotation of the inside housing 81 between the closed
position and the open position, as will be described later.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 8A, when the inside housing 81 is at the
closed position, each sliding projection 86 is disposed at the
front end portion of the respective sliding hole 104, each clamping
projection 87 is disposed at an upper end portion of the respective
elongated hole 108, and the inner passage port 89 (indicated by a
dashed line in FIG. 8A) is disposed upwardly of the outer passage
port 109. Further, the inner passage port 89 is closed by a portion
of the outer peripheral wall 101 located upwardly of the outer
passage port 109. In other words, the inner passage port 89 is
closed by the outside housing 82. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A,
the supporting portion 98 of the link lever 96 engages the holding
projection 100 from the upper side and projects toward the back
side (specifically, diagonally backward and upward). The position
of the transmission gear 91 being supported by the supporting
portion 98 in this posture will be referred to as a spaced-apart
position. In other words, the transmission gear 91 is held at the
spaced-apart position by the holding projection 100 engaged with
the link lever 96.
[0118] Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the inside housing 81 is
relatively rotated with respect to the outside housing 82 toward
the open position side, i.e., in a direction (downward) in which
the inner passage port 89 is oriented toward the outer passage port
109. Consequently, each sliding projection 86 slides in the
respective sliding hole 104 from a front end portion toward a rear
end portion, and each clamping projection 87 slides in the
respective elongated hole 108 from an upper end portion toward a
lower end portion. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, since
the holding projection 100 rotates downward integrally with the
inside housing 81, the link lever 96 rotates downward by the
self-weight of the link lever 96 and the transmission gear 91 in a
state in which the supporting portion 98 is engaged with the
holding projection 100. Thus, the supporting portion 98 is lowered,
and the transmission gear 91, which was at the spaced-apart
position, is also lowered. Thus, the holding projection 100
releases the holding of the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position in interlocked relation to the rotation of
the inside housing 81 (i.e., to the opening operation of the inner
passage port 89).
[0119] Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, each sliding projection 86
reaches the rear end of the respective sliding hole 104, and each
clamping projection 87 reaches the lower end of the respective
elongated hole 108, whereupon the inside housing 81 is disposed at
the open position.
[0120] When the inside housing 81 is disposed at the open position,
each sliding projection 86 is disposed at the rear end portion of
the respective sliding hole 104, each clamping projection 87 is
disposed at the lower end portion of the respective elongated hole
108, and the inner passage port 89 opposes the corresponding outer
passage port 109, allowing the inner passage port 89 and the outer
passage port 109 to communicate with each other and to be opened.
In other words, the inner passage port 89 is opened by the outside
housing 82. In addition, the supporting portion 98 of the link
lever 96 projects toward the back side (specifically, diagonally
backward and downward) (see FIG. 7C). The position of the
transmission gear 91 being supported by the supporting portion 98
in this posture will be referred to as a meshed position. When the
transmission gear 91 is at the meshed position, the inner notch 103
and the outer notch 107 are coincident with each other in the
radial direction, and the transmission gear 91 is exposed
diagonally backward and downward through the inner notch 103 and
the outer notch 107. Thus, the meshed position (see FIG. 7C) is a
downwardly spaced-apart position when viewed from the spaced-apart
position (see FIG. 7A). Further, the transmission gear 91 is
movable between the meshed position and the spaced-apart position.
It should be noted that when the transmission gear 91 is at the
meshed position, the supporting portion 98 is spaced apart slightly
upward from the holding projection 100 (see FIG. 7C).
[0121] Meanwhile, in the state in which the inside housing 81 is at
the open position, the inside housing 81 is relatively rotated with
respect to the outside housing 82 toward the closed position side,
i.e., in a direction (upward) in which the inner passage port 89
moves away from the outer passage port 109. Consequently, each
sliding projection 86 slides in the respective sliding hole 104
from a rear end portion toward a front end portion, and each
clamping projection 87 slides in the respective elongated hole 108
from a rear end portion toward a front end portion. At this time,
since the holding projection 100 rotates upward integrally with the
inside housing 81, the link lever 96 is rotated upward as the
supporting portion 98 is pressed upward by the holding projection
100. In conjunction with this, the supporting portion 98 rises, and
the transmission gear 91 also rises (see FIG. 7A).
[0122] Further, when each sliding projection 86 reaches the front
end of the respective sliding hole 104, and each clamping
projection 87 reaches the upper end of the respective elongated
hole 108, the inside housing 81 is disposed at the closed position,
as shown in FIG. 7A. At this time, the holding projection 100
continues to be engaged with the supporting portion 98, and the
transmission gear 91 is disposed at the spaced-apart position.
Thus, the transmission gear 91 is held in the spaced-apart position
in interlocked relation to the rotation of the inside housing 81 to
the closed position (i.e., to the closing operation of the inner
passage port 89).
[0123] (3) Installation and Removal of Developer Cartridge with
Respect to Process Frame
[0124] (3-1) Installation of Developer Cartridge into Process
Frame
[0125] To install the developer cartridge 31 into the process frame
22, the upper grip plate 114 and the lower grip plate 118 are
gripped in directions in which they approach each other against the
urging force of a compression spring (not shown), as shown in FIG.
5. Then, the developer cartridge 31 (i.e., the developer cartridge
31 with the inside housing 81 disposed at the closed position) is
accommodated in the cartridge housing part 33 (i.e., the cartridge
housing part 33 with the shutter disposed at the closed position
and the swing arm 70 disposed at the pressing releasing position).
The direction in which the developer cartridge 31 is installed into
the process frame 22 and the direction in which the developer
cartridge 31 is removed from the process frame 22 are the
front-back direction, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the
widthwise direction. At this time, the transmission gear 91 is at
the spaced-apart position (see FIG. 7A). Then, in the process frame
22, the drive gear is covered by the protective cover 76.
[0126] The developer cartridge 31 accommodated in the cartridge
housing part 33 is placed on the bottom plate 64. At this time,
each positioning boss 106 is fitted to the respective upper fixing
part 66, and each sliding projection 86 is fitted in the respective
receiving recess 75, as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, the two
pairs of clamping projections 87 on widthwise two sides
respectively clamp the upper ends and the lower ends of the
widthwise both end portions of the shutter 68, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0127] Subsequently, when the clamping of the upper grip plate 114
and the lower grip plate 118 is released, the retaining arm 115 is
swung by the urging force of the compression spring, so that the
retaining pawl 117 is retained at the lower fixing part 67, thereby
completing the installation of the developer cartridge 31 into the
process frame 22. The outside housing 82 is fixed in the cartridge
housing part 33 since the positioning boss 106 is fitted to the
upper fixing part 66 (see FIG. 5), and the retaining pawl 117 is
retained at the lower fixing part 67.
[0128] At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the transmission gear 91
at the spaced-apart position comes into contact with the protective
cover 76 from the upper side and is disposed in such a manner as to
be spaced vertically apart from the drive gear 62 covered by the
protective cover 76. Thus, the transmission gear 91 is held at the
spaced-apart position by not only the holding projection 100 but
also the protective cover 76.
[0129] Further, the swing arm 70 is swung from the pressing
releasing position (see FIG. 3) to the pressing position (see FIG.
2). This movement of the swing arm 70 causes each sliding
projection 86 fitted in the respective receiving recess 75 to slide
in the respective sliding hole 104 backward in conjunction with the
swinging motion of each arm side plate 72 and to be disposed at the
rear end portion of the respective sliding hole 104 (see FIG. 4).
In conjunction with the swinging motion, the two pairs of clamping
projections 87 on the widthwise two sides, while clamping the
shutter 68, slide downward in the respective elongated holes 108
and are disposed at the lower end portions of the elongated holes
108 (see FIG. 8A).
[0130] Accordingly, the inside housing 81 is disposed at the open
position, and the inner passage port 89 opposes the outer passage
port 109 substantially in the horizontal direction, such that the
inner passage port 89 and the outer passage port 109 are made to
communicate with each other. In addition, the shutter 68 is lowered
and disposed at the open position, and the frame-side passage port
34 opposes the shutter opening 69 and the cartridge-side passage
port 47, comprising the inner passage port 89 and the outer passage
port 109, substantially in the horizontal direction, such that the
inner passage port 89 and the outer passage port 109 are made to
communicate with each other. Here, as for the transmission gear 91
which was in contact with the protective cover 76 from the upper
side at the spaced-apart position (see FIG. 7A), a state of contact
of the transmission gear 91 with the protective cover 76 is
canceled as the protective cover 76 is lowered in conjunction with
the movement (lowering) of the shutter 68 to the open position.
Accordingly, it becomes possible for the transmission gear 91 to
move (to be lowered) to the meshing position. In other words, the
protective cover 76 releases the holding of the transmission gear
91 at the spaced-apart position in interlocked relation to the
rotation of the inside housing 81 to the opening position (i.e.,
the opening operation of the inner passage port 89). Then, as the
protective cover 76 is lowered and releases the holding of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position, the protective
cover 76 exposes the drive gear 62 to the front side (see FIGS. 7B
and 7C).
[0131] Next, a description will be given of the process in which
the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 are meshed with each
other in correspondence with the movement of the inside housing 81
from the closed position to the open position.
[0132] In conjunction with the movement of the inside housing 81
from the closed position to the open position, the transmission
gear 91 is lowered from the spaced-apart position to the meshing
position, as described above, and contacts from the upper side the
drive gear 62 exposed by the movement of the shutter 68 to the open
position, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0133] At this time, unless the tooth tips of the transmission gear
91 do not collide against the tooth tips of the drive gear 62, the
transmission gear 91 smoothly meshes with the drive gear 62 at the
meshing position, as shown in FIG. 7C. In addition, the state of
engagement between the supporting portion 98 and the holding
projection 100 is cancelled. It should be noted that the state of
contact between the transmission gear 91 and the protective cover
76 continues to be canceled. Namely, the transmission gear 91 is
held at the meshing position by the drive gear 62.
[0134] Meanwhile, even if the tooth tips of the transmission gear
91 collide against the tooth tips of the drive gear 62, the
transmission gear 91 is brought to a standstill (to standby) in a
state in which the tips of these gear teeth slightly contact each
other, as shown in FIG. 7B. Namely, since the transmission gear 91
is not further lowered in interlocked relation to the movement of
the inside housing 81 to the open position, the tooth tips of the
transmission gear 91 do not bite into the tooth tips of the drive
gear 62, and the state in which the tooth tips of the transmission
gear 91 and the drive gear 62 slightly contact each other is
maintained. In addition, since the transmission gear 91 is at a
standstill, while the inside housing 81 moves (rotates) to the open
position, the holding projection 100 which is lowered in
interlocked relation to the inside housing 81 is spaced apart
downwardly from the supporting portion 98, thereby canceling the
state of engagement between the supporting portion 98 and the
holding projection 100. Subsequently, when the inside housing 81 is
disposed at the open position and the drive gear 62 starts to
rotate for image formation, the transmission gear 91 and the drive
gear 62 shift from a state in which the tooth tips of the gear
teeth are in contact with each other to a state in which the tooth
tips of the gear teeth completely mesh with each other, as shown in
FIG. 7C. Namely, the transmission gear 91 is disposed at the
meshing position. In the state in which the respective gear teeth
of the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 completely mesh
with each other, the transmission gear 91 is held at the meshing
position by the drive gear 62, and the state of engagement between
the supporting portion 98 and the holding projection 100 and the
state of contact between the transmission gear 91 and the
protective cover 76 continue to be canceled.
[0135] Thus, when the drive gear 62 and the transmission gear 91
mesh with each other, the aforementioned driving force is output
from the drive gear 62 and is sequentially transmitted to the
agitator gear 80 and the agitator shaft 94. Consequently, the
transmission gear 91 rotates counterclockwise (see arrow D shown in
the drawing) in the left side view. Further, the agitator gear 80
and the agitator shaft 94 rotate clockwise (see arrow E shown in
the drawing) in the left side view. Thus, the agitator 93 rotates
in the same direction as the agitator gear 80, and the developer in
the inside housing 81 is agitated. Namely, the driving force is
transmitted to the agitator 93. Further, by the agitation by the
agitator 93 (specifically, the agitating blade 95), the developer
in the inside housing 81 at the open position passes through the
inner passage port 89, the outer passage port 109, and the
frame-side passage port 34 along a substantially horizontal
direction, and is supplied into the developing part 32. The
developer supplied into the developing part 32 is supplied
sequentially to the supply roller 36, the development roller 37,
and the photoconductive drum 25, as described above.
[0136] (3-2) Removal of Developer Cartridge from Process Frame
[0137] To remove the developer cartridge 31 from the process frame
22, the swing arm 70 is first swung from the pressing position to
the pressing releasing position.
[0138] When the swing arm 70 is swung from the pressing position to
the pressing releasing position, each sliding projection 86 (see
FIG. 4) fitted in the respective receiving recess 75 slides forward
in the respective sliding hole 104 (see FIG. 8A) in conjunction
with the swinging motion of each arm side plate 72 and is disposed
at the front end portion of the respective sliding hole 104. Then,
the two pairs of clamping projections 87 on the widthwise both
sides, while holding the shutter 68, slide upward in the respective
elongated holes 108 and are disposed at the upper end portions of
the elongated holes 108.
[0139] Accordingly, the inside housing 81 is disposed at the closed
position, and the inner passage port 89 is closed by opposing the
outer peripheral wall 101 (see FIG. 7A). In addition, the shutter
68 is disposed at the closed position, and the frame-side passage
port 34 is closed by opposing the shutter 68 (see FIG. 3). If the
inside housing 81 is moved from the open position to the closed
position, the holding projection 100 which rotates upward presses
the supporting portion 98 upward from the state shown in FIG. 7C.
Further, the protective cover 76 which is raised in conjunction
with the movement of the shutter 68 to the closed position presses
the transmission gear 91 upward. Thus, the transmission gear 91
which was at the meshing position is raised, so that the
transmission gear 91 is upwardly moved away from the drive gear 62
and is disposed at the spaced-apart position, and the meshing state
between the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 is canceled,
as shown in FIG. 7A. Further, as described above, since the holding
projection 100 continues to be engaged with the supporting portion
98, and the protective cover 76 continues to be in contact with the
transmission gear 91, as described above, the transmission gear 91
is held at the spaced-apart position. Namely, the transmission gear
91 is held at the spaced-apart position by the holding projection
100 and the protective cover 76 in interlocked relation to the
rotation of the inside housing 81 to the closed position (i.e., the
closing operation of the inner passage port 89). In addition, when
the transmission gear 91 is at the spaced-apart position, the
shutter 68 is at the closed position, and the drive gear 62 is
covered by the protective cover 76.
[0140] Further, if the upper grip plate 114 and the lower grip
plate 118 shown in FIG. 2 are clamped in the direction in which
they approach each other, the retention of the retaining pawl 117
with respect to the lower fixing part 67 is canceled. Subsequently,
the developer cartridge 31 as it is pulled out from the cartridge
housing part 33 toward the front side, as shown in FIG. 5. The
fitting of the positioning boss 106 to the upper fixing part 66,
the fitting of the sliding projection 86 in the receiving recess
75, and the clamping of the shutter 68 by the clamping projections
87 (see FIG. 2) are thereby canceled, so that the developer
cartridge 31 is disengaged from the process frame 22.
[0141] In this process cartridge 17, when the developer cartridge
31 is installed in the process frame 22, and the drive gear 62 of
the process frame 22 and the transmission gear 91 of the developer
cartridge 31 are meshed with each other, as shown in FIG. 7C, the
driving force is transmitted from the drive gear 62 to the agitator
93 through the transmission gear 91 and the agitator gear 80. This
makes it possible to rotate the agitator 93 to agitate the
developer.
[0142] Here, the developer cartridge 31 is installed in and removed
from the process frame 22 along the front-back direction (in the
perpendicular direction which is perpendicular to the widthwise
direction). In the transmission gear 91, gear teeth are formed on
its end face in the perpendicular direction, and in the drive gear
62 as well, gear teeth are formed on its end face in the
perpendicular direction. In this case, at the time of installing
the developer cartridge 31 to the process frame 22, there is a
possibility of collision between tooth tips of the transmission
gear 91 and tooth tips of the drive gear 62.
[0143] However, the transmission gear 91 in the state of being
meshed with the agitator gear 80 is supported by the link lever 96
movably with respect to the agitator gear 80 (see FIGS. 7A to 7C).
For this reason, even when the tooth tips of the transmission gear
91 and the tooth tips of the drive gear 62 collide against each
other at the time of installing the developer cartridge 31 to the
process frame 22, the transmission gear 91 is not forcibly pressed
against the drive gear 62 side. Namely, since the transmission gear
91 can be held on standby in the state in which the tooth tips of
the transmission gear 91 and the tooth tips of the drive gear 62
are in slight contact with each other, it is possible to prevent
the gear teeth of both the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear
62 from becoming damaged. Further, this transmission gear 91 can be
meshed anew with the drive gear 62. (See FIG. 7C.)
[0144] Consequently, the transmission gear 91 of the developer
cartridge 31 and the drive gear 62 of the process frame 22 can be
smoothly meshed without being damaged, so that the developer
cartridge 31 can be smoothly installed in the process frame 22.
[0145] In addition, in interlocked relation to the movement of the
inside housing 81, the holding projection 100 provided on the
inside housing 81 holds the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position in which it is spaced apart from the drive
gear 62 (see FIG. 7A) or releases the hold of the transmission gear
91 at the spaced-apart position (see FIGS. 7B and 7C).
[0146] For this reason, at the time of installing the developer
cartridge 31 to the process frame 22, if the transmission gear 91
is kept held at the spaced-apart position by the holding projection
100, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible to prevent the collision
between tooth tips of the transmission gear 91 and tooth tips of
the drive gear 62. Then, upon completion of the installation of the
developer cartridge 31 in the process frame 22, the inside housing
81 is moved to the open position to release the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position by the holding
projection 100, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. This allows the
transmission gear 91 to automatically mesh with the drive gear 62.
Meanwhile, if the transmission gear 91 is held again at the
spaced-apart position by the holding projection 100, as shown in
FIG. 7A, by moving the inside housing 81 to the closed position,
the meshing state between the transmission gear 91 and the drive
gear 62 is automatically canceled. This allows the developer
cartridge 31 to be smoothly disengaged from the process frame 22.
As a result, it is possible to achieve improvement of convenience.
It should be noted that the meshing state refers to a state in
which gear teeth of the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62
completely mesh with each other, and that the spaced-apart state
includes all the states in which they are not in the meshing
state.
[0147] In addition, the holding projection 100 can be configured
simply. In the case where the holding projection 100 engages the
link lever 96 (supporting portion 98) as in the above-described
exemplary embodiment, the holding projection 100 is able to
indirectly carry out the holding of the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position or the releasing of the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position. In this case,
since the holding projection 100 need not be brought into direct
contact with the transmission gear 91, it is possible to achieve
improvement of the degree of freedom in design. It should be noted
that the holding projection 100 may be directly engaged with the
transmission gear 91. In that case, the holding projection 100 is
able to reliably carry out the releasing of the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position.
[0148] In addition, since the inside housing 81 which moves
relative to the outside housing 82 is accommodated in the outside
housing 82, it is possible to prevent the movement of the inside
housing 81 from being hampered by an external force. Furthermore,
since the transmission gear 91 is disposed between the outside
housing 82 and the inside housing 81 (see FIG. 8A), it is possible
to protect the transmission gear 91.
[0149] In addition, in interlocked relation to the opening and
closing of the inner passage port 89, through which the developer
to be supplied onto the development roller 37 passes, the holding
projection 100 holds the transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart
position (see FIG. 7A) or releases the hold of the transmission
gear 91 at the spaced-apart position (see FIGS. 7B and 7C).
[0150] For this reason, when the transmission gear 91 is held at
the spaced-apart position by the holding projection 100 in
interlocked relation to the closing operation of the inner passage
port 89, the closure of the inner passage port 89 allows the
meshing state between the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear
62 to be automatically canceled (see FIG. 7A). This allows the
developer cartridge 31 to be smoothly disengaged from the process
frame 22 without spilling the developer from the inner passage port
89. In contrast, if the hold of the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position by the holding projection 100 is released in
interlocked relation to the opening operation of the inner passage
port 89, the opening of the inner passage port 89 allows the
transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 to be automatically
meshed to transmit the driving force to the agitator 93, thus
allowing the developer to be supplied onto the development roller
37 through the inner passage port 89 (see FIG. 7C). As a result, it
is possible to achieve improvement of convenience.
[0151] In addition, in interlocked relation to the movement of the
inside housing 81, the protective cover 76 provided on the process
frame 22 holds the transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart
position in which it is spaced apart from the drive gear 62 (see
FIG. 7A) or releases the hold of the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position (see FIGS. 7B and 7C).
[0152] For this reason, at the time of installing the developer
cartridge 31 to the process frame 22, if the transmission gear 91
is kept held at the spaced-apart position by the protective cover
76, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible to prevent the collision
between tooth tips of the transmission gear 91 and tooth tips of
the drive gear 62. Then, upon completion of the installation of the
developer cartridge 31 in the process frame 22, the inside housing
81 is moved to the open position to release the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position by the protective
cover 76, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. This allows the transmission
gear 91 to automatically mesh with the drive gear 62. Meanwhile, if
the transmission gear 91 is held again at the spaced-apart position
by the protective cover 76, as shown in FIG. 7A, by moving the
inside housing 81 to the closed position, the meshing state between
the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 is automatically
canceled. This allows the developer cartridge 31 to be smoothly
disengaged from the process frame 22. As a result, it is possible
to achieve improvement of convenience.
[0153] In addition, the protective cover 76 can be configured
simply. Further, since the protective cover 76 covers the drive
gear 62 at the spaced-apart position, the transmission gear 91 can
be reliably spaced apart from the drive gear 62 (see FIG. 7A). In
contrast, if the protective cover 76 releases the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position, the drive gear
62 is exposed, so that the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear
62 can be reliably meshed with each other (see FIGS. 7B and 7C).
Thus, the protective cover 76 is able to exhibit both the function
of holding the transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position or
releasing the hold and the function of covering or exposing the
drive gear 62.
[0154] In addition, in interlocked relation to the opening and
closing of the inner passage port 89, through which the developer
to be supplied onto the development roller 37 passes, the
protective cover 76 holds the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position (see FIG. 7A) or releases the hold of the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position (see FIGS. 7B and
7C). For this reason, when the transmission gear 91 is held at the
spaced-apart position by the protective cover 76 in interlocked
relation to the closing operation of the inner passage port 89, the
closure of the inner passage port 89 allows the meshing state
between the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 to be
automatically canceled (see FIG. 7A). This allows the developer
cartridge 31 to be smoothly disengaged from the process frame 22
without spilling the developer from the inner passage port 89. In
contrast, if the hold of the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position by the protective cover 76 is released in
interlocked relation to the opening operation of the inner passage
port 89, the opening of the inner passage port 89 allows the
transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 to be automatically
meshed to transmit the driving force to the agitator 93, thus
allowing the developer to be supplied onto the development roller
37 through the inner passage port 89 (see FIG. 7C). As a result, it
is possible to achieve improvement of convenience.
[0155] It should be noted that if both of the holding projection
100 and the protective cover 76 have the function of holding the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position or releasing the
hold, this function can be reliably carried out. However, either
one of the holding projection 100 and the protective cover 76 may
have this function. This makes it possible to simplify the
structure.
MODIFIED EXAMPLES
[0156] (1) First Modification
[0157] In the above-described exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 1, the process cartridge 17 integrally has the photoconductive
drum 25 and the development roller 37, and the process cartridge 17
is detachably mounted in the body casing 2. Alternatively, the
process cartridge 17 may be configured such that the developer
cartridge is not provided with the photoconductive drum 25, while
another unit (drum cartridge) having the photoconductive drum 25 is
provided, to detachably mount the developer cartridge to this drum
cartridge. Still alternatively, only the developer cartridge 31 may
be configured to be detachable in a state in which the process
cartridge 17 is kept mounted in the body casing 2.
[0158] Furthermore, the body casing 2 may be provided with the
photoconductive drum 25, the scorotron-type charger 26, and the
transfer roller 28, and the developer cartridge may be detachably
mounted in that body casing 2.
[0159] (2) Second Modification
[0160] Although exemplary embodiments of the present inventive
concept have been described in relation to a laser printer, the
present inventive concept is not limited to a monochrome laser
printer. Rather, the present inventive concept can also be applied
to a color laser printer, including a tandem type and an
intermediate transfer type printer.
[0161] (3) Third Modification
[0162] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a developer cartridge
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
viewed from a back left side, in a state in which the outside
housing is at an open position. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of
the developer cartridge of FIG. 9A, in a state in which an outside
housing of the developer cartridge is at a closed position. FIG. 9C
is a perspective view, as viewed from a back left side, of an
inside housing of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9D
is a schematic perspective view, as viewed from the back left side,
of the inside housing shown in FIG. 9C.
[0163] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, as viewed from a back left
side of an outside housing of the developer cartridge shown in FIG.
9A. It should be noted that members similar to those of the
above-described members will be denoted by identical reference
numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0164] Although in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the
inside housing 81 rotates relative to the outside housing 82, in
the developer cartridge 31 according to the third modification, the
outside housing 82 rotates between the open position and the closed
position relative to the inside housing 81. Namely, in the third
modification, the inside housing 81 functions as an example of a
first housing, while the outside housing 82 functions as an example
of a second housing.
[0165] (3-1) Inside Housing
[0166] Referring to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the inside housing 81
integrally has the inner peripheral wall 83 and the pair of inner
side walls 84 described above.
[0167] Each inner side wall 84 is not provided with the sliding
projection 86, and the clamping projection 87 is not provided on
its peripheral end face. Further, the left inner side wall 84 is
not provided with the holding projection 100.
[0168] The above-described annular rib 92 is provided in such a
manner as to extend along the peripheral edge of the left inner
side wall 84. The upper to-be-fixed portion 105 and the positioning
boss 106 described above are provided on an upper end portion of
each inner side wall 84.
[0169] Further, the aforementioned grip portion 113 is provided on
a side (front side) of the inner peripheral wall 83 which is away
from the inner passage port 89 with the circle center of the inner
peripheral wall 83 located therebetween.
[0170] In the same way as the above-described exemplary embodiment,
the transmission gear 91 and the agitator gear 80 are disposed on
the left side of the left inner side wall 84, and the transmission
gear 91 in the state of being meshed with the agitator gear 80 is
supported by the link lever 96 movably relative to the agitator
gear 80.
[0171] (3-2) Outside Housing
[0172] The outside housing 82 also differs from the one shown in
the above-described embodiment in correspondence with the inside
housing 81 in accordance with the third modification.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 10, in the outside housing 82 in
accordance with the third modification, the above-described two
pairs of clamping projections 87 (four clamping projections 87) are
provided at the widthwise both end portions of the outer peripheral
wall 101. The outer passage port 109 is formed in a portion of the
outer peripheral wall 101 which is surrounded by these clamping
projections 87. In addition, the outer peripheral wall 101 is not
provided with the elongated hole 108 in correspondence with the
provision of the clamping projections 87. Meanwhile, an exposing
hole 90 for exposing the grip portion 113 is formed in a side
(front side) of the outer peripheral wall 101 which is away from
the outer passage port 109 with the circle center of the outer
peripheral wall 101 located therebetween.
[0174] Further, the aforementioned sliding projection 86 is
provided on the upper side of each outer side wall 102.
[0175] In addition, the aforementioned outer notch 107 is formed at
a connecting portion between the outer peripheral wall 101 and the
left outer side wall 102. Further, the aforementioned holding
projection 100 is provided on the left outer side wall 102. The
holding projection 100 is provided in the vicinity of the outer
notch 107 in such a manner as to extend rightward from the left
outer side wall 102 in the widthwise direction, and is exposed to
the outside from the outer notch 107.
[0176] In addition, in a connecting portion between the outer
peripheral wall 101 and each outer side wall 102, an exposing
groove 122 extending through this connecting portion is formed in
the vicinity of the sliding projection 86. The exposing groove 122
extends along the peripheral edge of the outer side wall 102.
[0177] (3-3) Relative Arrangement of Inside Housing and Outside
Housing and Relative Movement of Inside Housing
[0178] The inside housing 81 is accommodated in the outside housing
82 in the same way as the above-described exemplary embodiment.
[0179] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the grip portion
113 is exposed from the exposing hole 90 of the outer peripheral
wall 101. A corresponding one of the upper to-be-fixed portions 105
is exposed in each exposing groove 122. The transmission gear 91
and the agitator gear 80 are disposed between the left inner side
wall 84 and the left outer side wall 102, i.e., between the inside
housing 81 and the outside housing 82. As a result, the
transmission gear 91 and the agitator gear 80 can be protected.
[0180] The outside housing 82 is allowed to undergo relative
rotation with respect to the inside housing 81 by using as a
fulcrum the circle center of the inner peripheral surface of the
outer peripheral wall 101 between the closed position (see FIG. 9B)
and the open position (see FIG. 9A). The inner passage port 89 is
opened and closed by the rotation of the inside housing 81 between
the closed position and the open position, as will be described
later. Since the outside housing 82 which moves relative to the
inside housing 81 is thus disposed on the outer side, it is
possible to easily provide maintenance for the outside housing 82.
Further, the inner passage port 89 is opened and closed by the
rotation of the outside housing 82 between the closed position and
the open position, as will be described later.
[0181] When the outside housing 82 is disposed at the closed
position, the outer passage port 109 is disposed above the inner
passage port 89, and the inner passage port 89 is closed by a
portion of the outer peripheral wall 101 which is located below the
outer passage port 109. In addition, the supporting portion 98 of
the link lever 96 engages the holding projection 100 from the upper
side, and the transmission gear 91 supported by the supporting
portion 98 is exposed diagonally backward and upward through the
inner notch 103 and the outer notch 107. The position of the
transmission gear 91 at this time is the above-described
spaced-apart position.
[0182] Then, the outside housing 82 is relatively moved with
respect to the inside housing 81 in a direction (downward) in which
the outer passage port 109 is oriented toward the inner passage
port 89. At this time, since the holding projection 100 rotates
downward in conjunction with the rotation of the outside housing
82, the link lever 96 rotates downward by the self-weight of the
link lever 96 and the transmission gear 91 in a state in which the
supporting portion 98 is engaged with the holding projection 100.
As a result, the supporting portion 98 is lowered, and the
transmission gear 91, which was at the spaced-apart position, is
also lowered in a state in which it is exposed from the inner notch
103 and the outer notch 107.
[0183] Subsequently, when the inner passage port 89 opposes the
outer passage port 109, and they communicate with each other so as
to be open, the outside housing 82 is disposed at the open
position, as shown in FIG. 9A. At this time, each upper to-be-fixed
portion 105 is disposed at a front end of the corresponding
exposing groove 122, and, although not shown, the grip portion 113
is disposed at a front end of the exposing hole 90. In addition,
the transmission gear 91 is at the above-described meshing position
and is exposed in a diagonally backward left direction through the
inner notch 103 and the outer notch 107. It should be noted that,
when the transmission gear 91 is at the meshing position, the
supporting portion 98 is spaced apart from the holding projection
100 slightly upward (see FIG. 7C).
[0184] Meanwhile, the outside housing 82 which is at the open
position is relatively rotated with respect to the inside housing
81 in a direction in which the outer passage port 109 is raised
from the inner passage port 89. At this time, since the holding
projection 100 is rotated upward in conjunction with the rotation
of the outside housing 82, the link lever 96 rotates upward as the
supporting portion 98 is pressed upward by the holding projection
100. In conjunction with this, the supporting portion 98 is raised,
and the transmission gear 91 is also raised in a state in which it
is exposed from the inner notch 103 and the outer notch 107. Then,
as shown in FIG. 9B, the transmission gear 91 moves to the
spaced-apart position, the upper to-be-fixed portion 105 is
disposed at a rear en of the exposing groove 122, and the grip
portion 113 is disposed at a rear end of the exposing hole, thereby
disposing the outside housing 82 at the closed position.
[0185] Thus, in the third modification as well, in the same way as
the above-described exemplary embodiment, the holding projection
100 in interlocked relation to the opening and closing of the inner
passage port 89 holds the transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart
position (see FIG. 9B) or releases the hold of the transmission
gear 91 at the spaced-apart position (see FIG. 9A).
[0186] Then, when the developer cartridge 31 in accordance with the
third modification (the outside housing 82 being at the closed
position) is installed in the process frame 22, the positioning
boss 106 is fitted to the upper fixing part 66 (see FIG. 5), and
the retaining paw 117 (see FIG. 2) is retained by the lower fixing
part 67, thereby fixing the inside housing 81 to the cartridge
housing part 33.
[0187] Then, if the swing arm 70 is swung from the pressing
position to the pressing releasing position, the outside housing 82
moves to the closed position, and in conjunction with it the
transmission gear 91 moves to the spaced-apart position (see FIG.
9B). This cancels the meshing state between the transmission gear
91 and the drive gear 62 (see FIG. 7A). Then, after releasing the
fixation of the inside housing 81 to the cartridge housing part 33,
if the developer cartridge 31 is pulled out forward from the
cartridge housing part 33, the developer cartridge 31 is removed
from the process frame 22.
[0188] It should be noted that, in the state in which the developer
cartridge 31 is installed in the process frame 22, not only the
holding projection 100 but also the protective cover 76 holds the
transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position and releases the
hold (see FIG. 7) in the same way as the above-described exemplary
embodiment.
[0189] (4) Fourth Modification
[0190] Members which hold the transmission gear 91 at the
spaced-apart position or release the hold of the transmission gear
91 at the spaced-apart position, such as the holding projection 100
and the protective cover (see FIG. 7), may be provided on the swing
arm 70 (see FIG. 5). In that case, when the holding projection 100,
for example, is provided on the swing arm 70, and the developer
cartridge 31 is installed in the process frame 22, the holding
projection 100 on the swing arm 70 (see FIG. 5) which is at the
pressing releasing position is engaged with the transmission gear
91 and the link lever 96, to thereby hold the transmission gear 91
at the spaced-apart position (see FIG. 7A). Then, if the swing arm
70 is moved to the pressing position (see FIG. 2) in the state in
which the developer cartridge 31 is installed in the process frame
22, the engagement between the holding projection 100 and the
transmission gear 91, for example, is canceled. As a result, the
hold of the transmission gear 91 at the spaced-apart position is
released, thereby allowing the transmission gear 91 to mesh with
the drive gear 62 (see FIG. 7C). In contrast, in the state in which
the transmission gear 91 and the drive gear 62 are meshed, if the
swing arm 70 is moved to the pressing releasing position, the
transmission gear 91 is engaged with and pressed by the holding
projection 100, and is thereby held again at the spaced-apart
position (see FIG. 7A).
[0191] (5) Fifth Modification
[0192] The transmission gear 91 and the agitator gear 80 are
disposed between the inside housing 81 and the outside housing 82,
as described above, but the transmission gear 91 and the agitator
gear 80 may be disposed on the outer side of the outside housing 82
in an exposed manner. In that case, maintenance can be easily
provided for the transmission gear 91 and the agitator gear 80.
[0193] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the cartridge housing comprises: a first housing; and a second
housing that is movable with respect to the first housing, and
wherein the second housing comprises a holding member that is
configured to hold the transmission gear at a spaced-apart position
in which the transmission gear is spaced apart from the drive gear
or release the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position in accordance with movement of the second housing.
[0194] According thereto, in interlocked relation to the movement
of the second housing, a holding member provided on the second
housing of the cartridge housing holds the transmission gear at a
spaced-apart position in which the transmission gear is spaced
apart from the drive gear or releases the hold of the transmission
gear at the spaced-apart position.
[0195] For this reason, when installing the developer cartridge to
the developing housing, if the transmission gear is kept held at
the spaced-apart position by the holding member, it is possible to
prevent the collision between tooth tips of the transmission gear
and tooth tips of the drive gear. Then, upon completion of the
installation of the developer cartridge in the developing housing,
the second housing is moved to release the hold of the transmission
gear at the spaced-apart position by the holding member, the
transmission gear can be automatically meshed with the drive gear.
Meanwhile, if the transmission gear is held again at the
spaced-apart position by the holding member by moving the second
housing, the meshing state between the transmission gear and the
drive gear is automatically canceled, so that the developer
cartridge can be smoothly disengaged from the developing housing.
As a result, it is possible to improve usability.
[0196] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the holding member comprises a projection that is engageable with
at least one of the transmission gear and the supporting
member.
[0197] According thereto, the holding member can be configured
simply by a projection. In a case where the projection engages the
transmission gear, the projection is able to reliably carry out the
holding of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position or
the releasing of the hold of the transmission gear at the
spaced-apart position. Meanwhile, in a case where the projection
engages the supporting member, the projection is able to indirectly
carry out the holding of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position or the releasing of the hold of the transmission gear at
the spaced-apart position. In this case, since the projection need
not be brought into direct contact with the transmission gear, it
is possible to achieve improvement of the degree of freedom in
design.
[0198] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the second housing is accommodated in the first housing.
[0199] According thereto, since the second housing which moves
relative to the first housing is accommodated in the first housing,
it is possible to prevent the movement of the second housing from
being hampered by an external force.
[0200] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the first housing is accommodated in the second housing.
[0201] According thereto, since the first housing is accommodated
in the second casing, it is possible to easily provide maintenance
for the second housing which moves relative to the first
housing.
[0202] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the transmission gear is provided between the first housing and the
second housing.
[0203] According thereto, since the transmission gear is disposed
between the first housing and the second housing, it is possible to
protect the transmission gear.
[0204] According to still another aspect of the invention, wherein
the cartridge housing comprises an opening for supplying the
developer to the developer carrier, the opening being openable or
closable in accordance with the movement of the second housing, and
wherein the holding member is configured to hold the transmission
gear at the spaced-apart position or release the hold of the
transmission gear at the spaced-apart position in accordance with
an opening or closing operation of the opening.
[0205] According thereto, in interlocked relation to the opening
and closing of an opening, through which the developer to be
supplied onto the developer carrier passes, the holding member
holds the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position or
releases the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position.
[0206] For this reason, when the transmission gear is held at the
spaced-apart position by the holding member in interlocked relation
to the closing operation of the opening, the closure of the opening
allows the meshing state between the transmission gear and the
drive gear to be automatically canceled. This allows the developer
cartridge to be smoothly disengaged from the developing housing
without spilling the developer from the opening. In contrast, if
the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position by
the holding member is released in interlocked relation to the
opening operation of the opening, the opening of the opening allows
the transmission gear and the drive gear to be automatically meshed
to transmit the driving force to the agitator, thus allowing the
developer to be supplied onto the developer carrier through the
opening. As a result, it is possible to achieve improvement of
convenience.
[0207] According to still another aspect of the invention, in the
developing device, wherein the holding member comprises a cover
that is configured to cover the drive gear at the spaced-apart
position and to expose the drive gear when the hold of the
transmission gear at the spaced-apart position is released.
[0208] According thereto, the holding member can be configured
simply by a cover. Further, since this cover covers the drive gear
at the spaced-apart position, the transmission gear can be reliably
spaced apart from the drive gear. In contrast, if the cover
releases the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position, the drive gear is exposed, so that the transmission gear
and the drive gear can be reliably meshed with each other. Thus,
the cover is able to exhibit both the function as the holding
member and the function of covering or exposing the drive gear.
[0209] According to still another aspect of the invention, there is
provided herein the cartridge housing comprises an opening for
supplying the developer to the developer carrier, the opening being
openable or closable in accordance with movement of the second
housing with respect to the first housing, and wherein the holding
member is configured to hold the transmission gear at the
spaced-apart position in which the transmission gear is spaced
apart from the drive gear or release the hold of the transmission
gear at the spaced-apart position in accordance with the movement
of the second housing.
[0210] According thereto, in interlocked relation to the opening
and closing of the opening, through which the developer to be
supplied onto the developer carrier passes, the holding member
holds the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position or
releases the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart
position.
[0211] For this reason, when the transmission gear is held at the
spaced-apart position by the holding member in interlocked relation
to the closing operation of the opening, the closure of the opening
allows the meshing state between the transmission gear and the
drive gear to be automatically canceled. This allows the developer
cartridge to be smoothly disengaged from the developing housing
without spilling the developer from the opening. In contrast, if
the hold of the transmission gear at the spaced-apart position by
the holding member is released in interlocked relation to the
opening operation of the opening, the opening of the opening allows
the transmission gear and the drive gear to be automatically meshed
to transmit the driving force to the agitator, thus allowing the
developer to be supplied onto the developer carrier through the
opening. As a result, it is possible to achieve improvement of
convenience.
[0212] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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